David J. Guy

David J. Guy is an Adjunct Professor of Law at San Joaquin College of Law, specializing in water law and natural resources policy. He holds a J.D. from the University of Colorado School of Law and a B.S. from San Diego State University. Currently serving as President of the Northern California Water Association, he advises California governors on water policy and has held leadership roles in organizations like the Yosemite Association and Somach Simmons & Dunn, a natural resources law firm. His professional expertise spans water rights, land use, and real property law.

Professor Guy’s research focuses on groundwater management, endangered species legislation, and agricultural land preservation. He has authored over two dozen articles in law reviews and journals, including seminal works on conjunctive water use and Williamson Act compliance. His scholarship bridges legal frameworks with practical policy solutions, emphasizing sustainable resource allocation.

As a legal educator, he teaches Water Law at SJCL and engages in public service, including roles as a mediator, arbitrator, and Judge Pro Tempore. His work integrates engineering and legal perspectives, informed by prior roles in civil engineering and municipal governance.

Key contributions include advancing groundwater rights protections, analyzing the Endangered Species Act, and advocating for coordinated water-land use planning. His articles reflect a commitment to balancing ecological, economic, and legal dimensions of natural resource challenges.